A blocked or clogged nose is caused by inflamed blood vessels within the membrane lining the inside of the nostrils and is usually caused by flu, colds, or allergies. Pile of mucus in your nose can make the nose hard to breathe. This can be life-threatening for a newborn baby, but for most children and adults may ignore it. Fortunately, nasal congestion can usually be overcome easily with low cost and short time.
Keep in mind that nasal congestion will not completely heal until the cause of infection is resolved because to catch and kill infectious pathogens, the immune system will produce mucus. The steps below are just treatments to relieve, not to heal. Here are some solutions for your reference.
Blow the nose slowly.
Do not force the snot out if the nose feels clogged but the mucus in it does not flow out, or it is difficult to remove. You may be trying to blow your nose firmly to snot out, but you should just leave it alone. Blow your nose only when the snot flows out of the nose.
Blowing the nose strongly over and over will cause inflammation of the fragile membranes in the nostrils and can rapidly aggravate the nasal obstruction. Although at first this step does not help, you will feel better if you reduce the use of tissues.
Drink decongestants or antihistamines that can be purchased without a prescription.
Depending on the cause of nasal congestion, you may be able to find some of the drugs on the market. Here are the medicines you can choose:
If you have a cold, drink decongestants. Decongestants will relieve swelling and inflammation in your nose, so you can breathe easier. You can take the medicine, in pill form, or use a decongestant nasal spray. Be aware that the decongestant nasal spray is recommended only for three consecutive days; Drug Decongestants like Sudafed can be drunk for a longer time.
If you have allergies, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis), take antihistamines. If allergies are at the root of your problem, antihistamines will relieve nasal congestion and also deal with other symptoms, such as sneezing. Know that antihistamines can cause drowsiness.
Use nasal spray from saline (salt solution).
The saline nose spray contains only salt water put into an easy-to-use container – without any medication in it. The salt water will relieve inflammation in your nose, as well as dispel mucus or bacteria.
Buy the spray medicine, or make it yourself. You can buy sterile saline sprays in almost all drug stores. Or, if you have a nasal aspirator or a nasal spray pump, make your own spray by mixing 1/4 teaspoon salt with 1 glass of warm water.
Bend over the sink, with the tip of your nose leading to the drain. This position will make it easier for water to flow out of your nose.
Gently spray the saline into one nostril at a time. If you use a spray pump, squeeze a little to remove the air in it, dip it in a salt solution, and remove your squeeze from the pump. Squeeze the pump again to put the salt solution into your nostrils.
Let the solution flow from your nose until it runs out before spraying again.
Use the salt solution two to three times a day.
Read How to Use Neti Pot as another option to drain your sinuses with saline solution.
Drink more water or beverage.
Drinking lots of fluid will thin the mucus in your nose, so that mucus is more easily removed. Extra moisture inside your system will also relieve irritating nasal passages and prevent sinus blockage.
Some people find it helpful to drink warm fluids when their nose is blocked. Consider drinking herbs, broths, or soups.
Use nose glue strips.
This thin white strip is affixed to the bridge of your nose, and is meant to dilate the nostrils to help you breathe easier. In some stores these tools may be sold as anti-snoring strips.
As clogged nose can be life threaten if we not treat is early. Take care yourself and consult doctor if the symptom persistent.